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Opinion Contributor

Lawmakers must not demonize gun owners

Based on my experience, we need to recognize that large numbers of Americans view gun ownership as almost tantamount to their citizenship, and their views are deeply held and have strong cultural foundations, especially in rural America. Political leaders should not be dissuaded from taking action on this issue, but they must recognize the cultural differences that exist in our diverse nation. We should not demonize the gun owner and recognize that the overwhelming majority are decent, law-abiding people.

Secondly, there must be recognition that this is a complicated problem, and it requires us to address not only certain types of gun manufacturing and ownership but also the mental health oversight and treatment infrastructure in the U.S. as well as the culture of violence that seems to pervade the country. Politicians, the media, law enforcement, military and veteran leaders and the faith-based community need to form a partnership to lay the foundation for why reasonable regulations on weapons are not inconsistent with Second Amendment rights. Public education, particularly by credible authorities on gun issues, must be a key part of this effort.

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However, the discussion on guns and violence should not minimize the threat that all Americans — rural and urban — face from the improper and often indiscriminate use of the deadliest of these weapons when in the hands of severely mentally ill individuals. Just because there are many reasons for gun violence, that is no reason for inaction, and weapons themselves are indeed a major part of the problem as well as the solution. We can make common-sense changes to our state and national gun laws while preserving the substance and precedent of the Second Amendment. Most Americans understand there are limits to the kinds of weapons that individuals need to enjoy the recreational use of firearms and to protect themselves. The debate is over where the limits should be drawn.

The biggest lesson I can impart to current legislators is that the complex and multifaceted issues of crime and firearms require us to move forward vigorously but also thoughtfully, with inclusivity and respect for all the stakeholders. I hope that the current desire for action as a result of the tragedy at Sandy Hook does not dissipate with time or as a result of the complexity of the issue.

Dan Glickman served as Agriculture secretary from 1995-2001 and represented the 4th District of Kansas in the House from 1977-1995. He is a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center and a vice president at the Aspen Institute.